Socket for artificial limbs



F. H. LOGAN May 31, 1932.

SOCKET FOR ARTIFICIAL LIMBS Filed May 20, 1931 FIECL.

Fl EIZE'M INVENTOR. FHAN K H ILUE'JETN BY 7 I ATTORNEYSZ Patented May 31, 1932 UNITED STATES FRANK I-I. LOGAN, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA SOCKET FOB 'ARTIFIGIAL LIMBS Application filed May 20, 1931.

This invention relates to improvements in artificial limbs and has particular reference to a socket for use with an artificial limb.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a socket into which the stump fits, which socket forms a cushion for the stump.

A further object is to produce a device of this character which may be employed with an ordinary artificial limb.

A still further object is to produce a device of this character which is economical to manufacture and one which is easily replaced when worn.

A still further object is to produce a device of this character which is molded to fit each individual case in counter-distinction to a stock form of socket.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. 1 shows an artificial limb having my socket applied thereto,

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of my socket,

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 4 is a front elevation on a reduced scale.

After a limb has been amputated, the stump portion is naturally sensitive, and if pressure is brought to bear on the parts adj a cent the point of amputation, this pressure is apt to cause soreness, and if pressure is caused by an artificial limb, the discomfiture may be very great. Applicant has therefore produced a socket for use with the conventional artificial limb, whether it be a limb or an arm. This socket is formed by molding about a cast of the stump, a socket composed of soft leather, sponge rubber and cork, which will exactly fit the stump, giving support thereto without exerting unneces- Serial No. 538,820.

sary pressure on any one particular part of the stump; at the same time providing a socket which has flexibility sufficient to provide a cushion in which the stump rests.

In the accompanying drawings wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 5 designates an artificial limb to which is secured a limb encircling brace 6, the securing means being hinge members 7, hinged as at 8. This is conventional construction and forms no part of my invention. My invention consists of a socket designated as a whole by the numeral 9 and having a ledge 11, which is adapted to engage the top of the artificial limb 5. A tapered portion 12 extends into the artificial limb 5. The manner of constructing my socket is as follows A plaster cast is made of the stump upon which the socket is to be used, and after the cast has been made it is covered with thin leather 13, after which a layer of cork 14 is cemented to the leather, and upon this cork is cemented a layer of sponge rubber 16 over which is cemented a layer of cork 17, and finally, an outside covering 18, and by referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted that the layers 16, 17 and 18 are shorter than the layers 13 and 14;. This results in the lower extremities of the layers 16, 17 and 18 forming the ledge 11. It will thus be seen, that by constructing the socket in this manner, a very accurate and perfect fitting socket may be produced, and that by the use of sponge rubber and cork, a cushion effect is made possible which greatly relieves the strain upon the stump during the movement of the artificial limb.

It is to be understood that the form of my 35 invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that various changes relative to the material, size, shape and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claim.

Having thus described my invention, I claim The method of forming a socket for an artificial limb which consists in first cover-- ing a form, then adhesively securing a cork layer to said covering, next adhesively connecting a sponge rubber layer to said cork layer, thereafter cementing a cork layer over the sponge rubber layer, and finally, cementing a leather layer over said last mentioned cork layer.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

FRANK H. LOGAN. 

